The Angels Wanna Wear My Red Shoes.

"Oh, I said, 'I'm so happy 

I could die.'

She said, 'Drop dead,'

then left with another guy."

-Elvis Costello.

It's October 9th. And things are good. This week has been a rollercoaster, but today was the peak, for sure. I mean, so many great things happened:

1) Judah and the Lion convo. Their music is golden. Seriously, if you are in for lighthearted Americana folk music, they are your band. They're like, the Nashville Mumford. Banjo and fiddle and joy and yes.

2) I have at least a solid 4 A's in my classes so far. Like...what! I was expecting the worst and I guess my stress and hard work has paid off. I honestly was thinking that this semester would be my worst academically because I get so overwhelmed with all the projects I have due. But honestly, I'm legitimately proud of my accomplishments in these past eight weeks. Like, wow.

3) The weather was GLORIOUS today. Enough said.

4) House church. One of my reasons for getting through the first half of the week. Nothing beats ice cream and life talks. Those girls are all such a blessing and I've never felt more myself and comfortable with being in my life. Ah, it feels good to know that.

5) HALFWAY DONE WITH FALL SEMESTER OF MY SOPHOMORE YEAR SAY WHAAAAA. Boom.

After all the goodness filling my life, I'm just smiling away. I can't wait what the next eight weeks have in store. As they say, time sure flies when you're having fun...and that downhill ride to winter break is speeding away.

Oh yeah, here's a sneak peek to how I felt today (well, without the drugs...only high on life over here):

That Girl.

"So what, you're from the other side of the tracks

so what, the world don't think we match."

-Justin Timberlake.

The rumors are true. Yoga cleanses the soul and the body from all impurities. The strenuous stretches and hard holds give off so much determination while ridding of all toxins within the pores. Yoga was just what I needed after my stressful, emotional day. Who knew that in a matter of 11 hours I could go from being confident to complete stress sickness to car ride laughs to the complete emotional phone breakdown? Rollercoaster, much. 

Yoga dates with Miss Nikki are just plain perfect, okay? I swear to you, that girl is a glass of Tennessee sweet tea with a pinch of sugar and sass. In case you're wondering, that combination is pure and fabulous in the best ways possible. She always has the greatest stories and the most insightful advice that I just am all open to hear. So so SO grateful for our friendship and the entirety of what it is. SO GOOD.

Anyways...long story short: midterms suck. Big time. Yep...

FALL BREAK, PLEASE COME FASTER. I WANT YOU SO BAD.

Must've Done Something Right.

"We should get jerseys
cause we make a good team.
But yours would look better than mine
cause you're outta my league."

-Relient K.

I loathe rainy, cold days. They are the absolute bane of my existence. That may sound a tad on the dramatic side, but I only speak the truth. And that, my friend, is my honest opinion. I mean, what part of grey skies and wet streets make anyone feel happy? On top of that, I'm at my max limit for stress this week. Midterms are upon us and there is no going back. Gotta power through to Friday or else...

The only light at the end of the stormy tunnel is the beautiful sunset. Nashville is known for its intricate skies, especially when the weather takes a turn for the worse. I'm all for an East Coast sunrise and a West Coast set, but Nashville knows how to paint its skies and make a masterpiece. God's creations are truly something.

This next week holds a lot pertaining to what's next in my near future. Grades will never define me, but they sure make a difference on what the next semester will hold. Opportunities about jobs and internships pave the path for experiences galore. And I mean, if I can get past at least Wednesday, I can look forward to my four day Fall Break and the downward hill toward Thanksgiving in Florida. 

I know I say this a lot, but I can do this. You can do this. We can make it through. It may involve tears and anxiety and late nights, but it will be worth it when everything is set and done. Just keep calm and stay strong.

The Wire.

"And I'd give it all away

just so I could say

that I know, I know, I know, I know

that you're gonna be okay anyway."

-HAIM.

It's Friday. We got here. Once again. WEEKEND TIME, EVERYBODY. And you know what else that means...?

Well, sure, it's a two day break off of school. But it's time for the weekly Friday Five. OH YEAH. Lately, I've been very inspired by the style of Kylie Jenner meets Alexa Chung meets Liam Payne. If that makes any sense to you at all, great! Basically, I'm going for a grunge tomboy 90s look. And it's bringing me back to my childhood roots of Converse and beanies. I could not be more excited for this man repeller trend I'm going for. Because I'm always leaning more toward mens' fashion, I'm going to cover a guy for Friday Five. And what guy exactly...? My man, Harry Styles. That boy knows his look and works it well. Here's my favorite looks.

When he wore this to the Burberry show in London last year, I could not help but stare at the rocking business look he pulled off. Professional yet cool.

Flannels are always in, people. The low-cut button-up adds some edge to the fedora and skinnies. Just stop being so rad, bro.

ARE YOU A MODEL OR WHAT. Leather jacket, collar up, v-neck. You know, it's casual.

Tank tops should be a staple in a man's closet. Maybe it's the California girl in me, but sun's out...guns out is the best policy ever.

Bandana? Check. Plaid? Check. Denim? Check. A la John Mayer much, Harry? YEAH.

Catch My Breath.

"Laughing hard with the windows down.

Leaving footprints all over town.

Keeping faith, karma comes around."

-Kelly Clarkson.

Music plays a huge factor in my life, if you haven't noticed. I live in Nashville for goodness sake! Whenever something significant or big in my life happens, I'm always in tune to what song is playing or what lyrics race through my mind. It's just second nature; I don't even realize it happens until I analyze the moments like I am right now.

Long story short: I got into a minor car accident this afternoon. I'm okay and I surprisingly didn't cry. My car needs a little repair, but nothing is unfixable at this point (which is AMAZING). But it's one of those things that I'm always going to remember. I mean, what day is it today...October 3rd. (Mean Girls, anyone?) 

This Kelly song was on in the auto body shop I visited this afternoon. And when it came on, I thought about the title of "Catch My Breath". Sure, I wasn't injured in the small crash, but that song made me think how blessed I am that I was physically stable and fine. I was upset over my car (I won't lie...it's my baby), but like, the other driver and I walked away from it perfectly fine. That's a major Hallelujah moment right there for me. It was such a surreal experience to know that in a couple weeks, this will be old news. It won't be a story I tell about a scar or an explanation about the dent in my bumper. It'll just be a random thing that happened to me in my sophomore year. And I'm really lucky that it wasn't worse than what's been done.

I'm in a stable enough place to be "okay" with this whole ordeal. I'm making it sound worse than what it actually was because honestly, all I did was shake for the first five minutes and then I calmed down like no big deal. That's a cool thing to take care of life, even in not so good situations, and make it okay. I like this vibe. I really do.

I know.

"The way I'm young,

the way I cry,

the way I love rose

with the ties."

-Tom Odell.

So much good music is out right now, people! I cannot stress how excited I am for all the new albums that have come out within the past couple weeks. Oh my goodness, it's some good stuff. New music overload will make the Spotify selections much less overplayed. 

Here is my latest discovery: Tom Odell. His piano skills are superb and every song rips my heart out with emotion in the best way possible. Singer/songwriter people get the best of me, what can I say? Especially the British ones. Am I right or am I right? Exactly.

Also, before I leave you to it and let you discover his musical genius, some highlights of my day:

1. I GET TO CO-WRITE A FASHION COLUMN FOR MY SCHOOL NEWSPAPER. Can you tell my excitement? Literally, I haven't been this excited since seeing One Direction this summer. Like, I'm that stoked. GAH.

2. Another article: I get to review a restaurant that serves Australian food. You heard me. Australian food. Vegemite and meat pie for one, please!

3. No midterm for Philosophy class. Any time a teacher gets rid of an assignment, it's pure bliss in my life.

4. Job interview number one commences Friday. Time to get prepared and study my handshaking skills. Hmmm...or I should just be myself and answer the questions politely and honestly. Sounds good to me!

It's been a great week, you guys. A great one...

Fences.

"Well you're just a mess.

You do all this big talking.

So now let's see you walk it."

-Paramore.

October officially begins what I call autumn. The leaves start to fall. The air grows brisk and mornings seem to have a crispness to them. Holidays take over the calendar and run our schedules out the door. Pumpkin everything is the only thing edible and flannels are all around. Here are some of the recipes I plan to make in honor of this neutral season.

I plan to use Rolos instead of Caramel Kisses, but these cookies sound absolutely divine. I'm already in love and I haven't even tasted these yet.

Churro-like bread? The Hispanic little girl in me is beyond excited to have cinnamon pull-apart bread for Sunday brunch morning. Like...yum.

Anything breakfast is right up my alley. For those mornings I can't make it to Pancake Pantry for Sugar and Spice pancakes, I'll just mix these flapjacks in the griddle. BOOM.

Random after a bunch of sweets, but this mozzarella grilled cheese looks heavenly for a chilly fall afternoon lunch. Get some marinara and we're in business.

Oktoberfest, anyone?